Babs (21) is in the second year of the bachelor's programme in Health Sciences, majoring in Biology and Health. She is 21 and lives in Weert, close to her horses. Her great love for horses started when she was five years old and since then, thanks to a lot of training and talent, she has achieved the NOC*NSF's IT status: international talents who belong to the world's top in their age category. That status proved to be very justified, as last summer Babs competed at the European Championships in Spain with her horse Evita.

Early start

When she was five, Babs went horse riding at a friend’s house, because you are only admitted to a riding school at the age of six. "For as long as I can remember, I wanted to ride horses," says Babs. "I have a huge bond with these beautiful animals and love spending all day with them. So it definitely doesn't feel heavy to train for four to six hours a day seven days a week. Last year, I worked in a stable where I rode six to ten horses every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After that, I still trained my own two horses at home. That was a lot, but I enjoyed doing it all."

European championship

In the summer of 2022, a big dream came true for Babs, she got to ride at the European Championship in Spain. "That was a fantastic experience and I'm still immensely proud that my horse Evita and I were able to compete. We finished fifth with our team in the age category up to 21. This year I will be 22 and I can compete as a senior, but it is difficult to get in. Especially training with your own horse in the run-up to such a competition is fantastic. You become one with your horse."